Managerial/Coaching Notes: Cubs, Backman, Leyland

Tony La Russa is available, but Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe hears that the Cubs haven't reached out to the former Cardinals skipper. Meanwhile, La Russa is telling his friends that he'd be more intereted in a front office role if he were to jump back in. Here's the latest managerial and coaching news from around baseball..

Rays bench coach Dave Martinez says that his interview with the Cubs for their vacant managerial position went "really well," writes Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. In addition to the standard topics, Martinez said they talked about lineup construction and game preparation and watched some in-game video sequences to go over what moves he would make. The Cubs have also interviewed Padres bench coach Rick Renteria, former Indians and Nats manager Manny Acta, and former D-backs manager A.J. Hinch.

Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo is also in the mix for the Cubs' gig, but he says that he's not thinking about it at this time, writes Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. At the same time, he was open about his desire to manage a big league team and spoke fondly of Theo Epstein.

Wally Backman is expected to return as the Mets' Triple-A manager next season, a team insider told Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. The Mets have not been asked by any other club for permission to speak with Backman about a managerial opening.